Freshman now enrolled in the new Aviation Academy at CTEC could be licensed pilots by the time they graduate in 2017.
The students in the Aviation Academy magnet program at St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center will literally be flying high four years from now. The public-school aviation students in the class of 2017 will be able to take to the air after completing requirements for a private pilot license.
The students will also earn 12 to 21 hours of college credits that can be used toward aviation science and engineering. And the students will be able to take the Federal Aviation Administration entry level aviation mechanic technician exam.
Jo Murphy, Department of Education coordinator of career and technical education, said the program is preparing students to meet the demand for young people in the field of aviation.
“These children will have the opportunity to make six figure incomes,” Murphy said. “We’re preparing them to be successful.”
She began planning the program three years ago.
Willard John, principal at CTEC, began advocating for the program six years ago.
“This gives students more opportunities and exposure to career options in aviation,” John said. “Imagine the doors it will open.”
He said he is proud to be the catalyst for starting the program.
Cenita Heywood, program collaborator and Air Force veteran, said the students will be very well prepared for a future in aviation. Heywood is also a charter member of the V.I. Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. and organizer of the Youth Aviation Club.
Heywood said students must be members of the V.I. Chapter Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Youth Aviation Club. The club enhances the students’ learning experience, providing opportunities to attend flying camps in the summer at aviation programs across the country, she said. The organization exposes the students to the hundreds of careers in aviation and they meet people working in aviation.
“We’re all excited and very committed to what we’re doing,” Heywood said at an informational meeting Tuesday attended by two dozen parents and students. And she mentioned the big savings the students get with the earned college credits.
To get into the program the students must have at least a B average.
“We want top notch people in these positions,” Murphy said. “Peoples’ lives will be in their hands.”
Ira Williams, program coordinator, pilot and mechanic, will be the instructor for the academy.
“The students will get to know the aircraft inside and out,” Williams said. “It’s very intensive training. Flying has a lot of responsibility.” He said the students will use cutting-edge software in the program.
Williams said students will focus on safety and flight theory in their freshman year. As sophomores they will concentrate on technical information and as juniors they will start to fly. Their senior year they will prepare to complete the FAA exams. They will get training on flight simulators at Bohlke International Airways.
Students will complete nine courses targeted to aviation mechanics. They will also be offered after-school pilot training, and those who successfully complete the program will be eligible to take the FAA written, oral, and practical exams to become certified airframe and power plant technicians.
It is designed as a four-year program, but the administration will work with older students interested in aviation to accommodate their needs.
David Gonzalez, Central student, said he wants to get hands-on training and learn more about planes and flying.
“I’ve always had an interest in planes,” Gonzalez said. “I’m excited about this program.”
Khadonye Woodrup, a Central student, said he likes to fix things and hopes to become a successful airplane mechanic.
“I actually would like to be able to work right here on St. Croix,” he said.
Zion James, from Central, said he has always wanted to fly a plane.
“We just had to get this program off the ground,” Murphy said. “With this program students’ dreams can come true.”
